Lake Atitlán is one of Guatemala’s most stunning destinations, surrounded by towering volcanoes, vibrant Mayan villages, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re a backpacker seeking adventure or a tourist looking for serene beauty, this stunning lake is a must-visit spot on your itinerary. However, figuring out how to get to Lake Atitlán can seem a bit overwhelming with so many options available. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
This guide will explain all you need to know about traveling to Lake Atitlán, including its location and distance from Guatemala City and Antigua, as well as the different transportation options to suit every budget and travel style.
Lake Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán) is nestled in the southwestern highlands of Guatemala. Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, it is surrounded by three volcanoes—San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán—and dotted with charming villages filled with rich culture and traditions.
The distance from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán is approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers). The drive can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the mode of transport and the traffic conditions. The Guatemala City's notoriously unpredictable traffic, especially during peak hours, can sometimes make the trip feel much longer.
Full disclosure: Guatemala City was the worst traffic we've ever driven in. No exaggeration! It took us about five hours to just drive across the city on the main "highway." Always plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get from point A to point B when dealing with Guatemala City!
Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán: 125 km | Google Maps
If you’re starting from Antigua, the drive to Lake Atitlán is a bit shorter—about 50 miles (80 kilometers). Travel time is typically between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, making it a convenient trip or weekend getaway for those based in Antigua.
Antigua to Lake Atitlan: 88 km | Google Maps
The roads in the Lake Atitlán region of Guatemala are unlike anywhere we drove in Central America. Sure other countries have curvy mountain roads, but nowhere else came close to Guatemala's steep hills, congested roadways, and stunning landscape. It's worth noting that the main highway between Guatemala City/Antigua and Lake Atitlan is well paved with plenty of bathroom and snack stops along the way.
However, it's very curvy and hilly which will make it pretty uncomfortable for those prone to carsickness. Chris gets pretty carsick which is one reason why we opted to rent a car and drive ourselves there so he could be behind the wheel vs. having an unknown driver whip him around corners. If you get carsick we'd highly recommend taking some motion sickness medication for the drive up there!
If you decide to venture off the main roadways you'll need to be aware that there are lots of rough dirt roads surrounding the Lake Atitlán area. We ended up on a much more gnarly road than we should have taken a rental car down thanks to Google Maps. Everything turned out fine, but we wouldn't recommend getting too lost on those roads without experience driving on rough terrain. Just something to keep in mind!
Whether you’re looking for comfort, affordability, or a pinch of adventure, there’s a transportation option for everyone. Here are your main choices:
Private shuttles are a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you’re traveling in a group. These shuttles are usually booked through tour companies or directly from your accommodation in Guatemala City or Antigua. They’ll pick you up and drop you off right at your destination and will quote you a predictable price ahead of time vs. changing rates like a taxi or Uber. And since a private shuttle is scheduled, you won't have to worry about trying to snag a taxi or wait for an Uber when you're trying to get to Lake Atitlán.
Travelers who want a hassle-free experience and are willing to pay for comfort.
Hiring a private taxi is another option. While less common than shuttles, it can be convenient if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or have a flexible schedule. Taxis can be arranged at the airport or via a trusted recommendation from your hotel. One really important note about booking a taxi in Guatemala (or really anywhere in the world) is that you need to negotiate the rate before you ever get in the car. Agree upon the rate ahead of time otherwise you're likely to end up paying a ridiculous amount of money.
Solo travelers or small groups looking for a flexible and direct transfer.
Uber operates in Guatemala City and can occasionally be a cost-effective option for getting to Lake Atitlán. However, keep in mind that availability can vary, especially for long-distance trips to Lake Atitlán.
Tech-savvy travelers who want convenience without paying for a private shuttle.
If you enjoy the flexibility of exploring at your own pace, renting a car is a great choice. The roads from Guatemala City and Antigua to Lake Atitlán are generally well-paved, but be prepared for winding mountain roads. During our most recent trip to Lake Atitlan we opted for the rental car option and were really glad we did. We tend to prefer rental cars over other options because of the flexibility it offers, but that's just us! We're really used to having a lot of independence while traveling since we are usually traveling in a camper. If you aren't so worried about independence and flexibility, this might not be the option for you.
It's also worth nothing that renting a car in Guatemala is much more affordable than you might expect! Rental cars in Antigua start at around $13 USD per day (plus insurance if needed) and fuel was about ~$3.50 USD per gallon when we were in Guatemala in 2025. It does come with risks since the drivers can be a bit crazy in Guatemala, but in our experience it was far cheaper than an Uber, taxi, or private shuttle.
Note: Be sure to either have a credit card that offers primary rental car insurance in Guatemala or purchase complete coverage!
Independent travelers who want to explore the region beyond Lake Atitlán.
For the adventurous and budget-conscious traveler, riding a "chicken bus" (colorful, converted school buses) is a quintessential Guatemalan experience. Buses generally run from Guatemala City or Antigua to Sololá, where you’ll need to transfer to another bus heading to Panajachel. We probably would have taken a chicken bus during our most recent trip to Guatemala for the experience alone, but since we had our dog with us, we weren't able to.
Adventurous budget travelers looking to experience local culture.
No matter which option you choose, the key is to select the mode of transportation that best fits your travel style, budget, and comfort level. Each choice offers a unique way to experience your destination, whether it’s through local immersion or a more private, convenient ride.
